Hillsborough County, FL: homestead & property-tax exemptions
How to claim property-tax exemptions in Hillsborough County (Tampa area): who qualifies, the deadline, where to file, documents, re-filing and appeals.
Exemptions available
- HCPA lists homestead plus other exemptions, including $5,000 disability and $5,000 blind, and a total exemption for certain totally and permanently disabled owners based on household gross income. [1]
- The $5,000 totally-and-permanently-disabled exemption renews automatically. The income-based total-disability exemption must be renewed each year with a Statement of Gross Income by March 1. [1]
Statewide exemption details: Florida guide.
Who qualifies
- You must establish Hillsborough County as your legal domicile, live on the property as of January 1, and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. [1]
Deadline
- Statutory deadline: March 1 (next business day if it falls on a weekend or holiday). Late applications are taken until the 25th day after the TRIM notice is mailed (typically August). Applications are taken year-round. [1]
Where and how to file
- Online through HCPA's Homestead E-file, or by Form DR-501. [1]
Documents needed
- Proof of Florida residency, such as a Florida driver's license. A 'Valid in Florida' license, or a Florida ID with an out-of-state license, isn't accepted. Active-duty military may use a Florida license or LES. [1]
- Proof of citizenship (for example voter registration or a permanent resident card), the property address, tax bill or deed, and Social Security numbers (including your spouse's). [1]
- Mobile homes: the mobile home title or registration and the real-estate deed (the home must be declared real property). [1]
Do you need to re-file?
- Florida rule: the property appraiser mails an annual renewal, or the county may waive annual applications. You must refile if ownership or use changes. [2]
Appeal deadline
- Florida rule: VAB petitions on value are due within 25 days after the TRIM notice is mailed. Exemption denials: within 30 days of the denial notice. [3]
Not verified yet
- Hillsborough's local-option senior exemptions.
Population: 1,581,426 (July 1, 2024 estimate) [4]
Other Florida counties
Sources
- Hillsborough County Property Appraiser: Homestead & Other Exemptions Last checked 2026-10-21
- Florida Statutes s. 196.011 (Florida Senate, 2025) Last checked 2026-10-21
- Florida DOR PT-101: Petitions to the Value Adjustment Board (PDF, R. 8/25) Last checked 2026-10-21
- U.S. Census Bureau, county population estimates 2020-2024 (co-est2024-alldata.csv) Last checked 2026-10-21